Opposition leader says Abbotts diplomatic faux pas put focus on silly words rather than the substantive call for cooperationBill Shorten has described Tony Abbotts threat to shirtfront the Russian president as a brain snap and a diplomatic faux pas that undermined Australias attempts to seek Vladimir Putins cooperation.The opposition leader said he could understand the prime minister was motivated by emotion over the loss of 38 Australian lives in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, but suggested the focus on a potential altercation with Putin had contaminated the potential for productive talks. … …read more
Source: The Guardian
